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N37bn Fraud: EFCC Summons Ex-Minister Umar-Farouq Over Allegations

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has summoned ex-Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, regarding an investigation into an alleged laundering of N37,170,855,753.44 during her tenure.

She’s requested to appear before EFCC interrogators at their headquarters in Jabbi, Abuja, on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, as stated in a document obtained by The Punch on Saturday.

The document read in part, “The commission is investigating a case of money laundering involving the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development during your time as minister.

“In view of the above, you are requested to kindly report for an interview with the undersigned. Scheduled as follows: Wednesday, 3rd of January, 2024. Time: 10am. This request is made pursuant to Section 38 (I) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004 & Section 21 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011.”

Recall that Umar-Farouq had previously stated she had no knowledge of the contractor, James Okwete, who is currently detained by the anti-graft agency.

The former minister tweeted on her X handle on Monday, “There have been a number of reports linking me to a purported investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission into the activities of one James Okwete, someone completely unknown to me.

“James Okwete neither worked for, nor represented me in any way whatsoever. The linkages and associations to my person are spurious. While I resist the urge to engage in any media trial whatsoever, I have however contacted my legal team to explore possible options to seek redress on the malicious attack on my person.

“I remain proud to have served my country as a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with every sense of responsibility and would defend my actions, stewardship and programmes during my tenure whenever I am called upon to do so.”

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Wike’s Wife, CJN’s Daughter-in-Law Nominated For Judicial Position

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The Nigerian Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended Mrs. Justice Nyesom-Wike Suzzette, wife of the Federal Capital Territory’s Minister, Nyesom Wike, for a position on the Court of Appeal.

Suzzette, a former First Lady of Rivers State and currently a judge at the Rivers State High Court, is among 21 candidates proposed for elevation to the appellate court.

Additionally, Ariwoola Oluwemi Victoria, theP daughter-in-law of Niygeria’s Chief Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, has been recommended for a promotion to the Federal High Court in Abuja.

She is one of 12 judges selected for advancement to this court.

Justice Ariwoola is expected to bow out of Nigeria’s judiciary in August this year.The NJC, at the same meeting, barred two judges, Inyang Edem Ekwo of the Federal High Court and Justice G. B. Brikins-Okolosi of Delta State High Court, from elevation to the Appeal Court for two to three years and issued them warning letters.

Justice Ekwo was reprimanded for the abuse of discretionary power by wrongly granting an ex-parte order in Suit No FHC/ABJ/C/626/2023 Juliet Ebere Nwadi Gbaka & 2 others Vs Seplat Energy Plc & 12 others.

He was barred from elevation for two years.

Justice G. B. Brikins-Okolosi received a warning letter for failing to deliver judgment within the stipulated period in Joseph Anene Okafor Vs Skye Bank, suit No A/94/2010, after parties had filed and adopted their final written addresses.

He will not be elevated to a higher bench for three years.

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LSFRS, NNPC Ltd Sing Discordant Tunes Over Lagos Depot Fire

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A tank farm in the Apapa area of Lagos State went up in flames in the early hours of Friday.

A viral video of the sad incident, now making the rounds on social media platforms indicates that it is the property of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd).

The video was being traced to the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS).

However, the NNPC Ltd has denied that none of its facilities in the location was affected, it posited that the fire incident, from a pipeline, affected a farm tank belonging to Honeywell Oil and Gas.

Director, Public Affairs, LSFRS, Amodu Shakiru, has confirmed the incident, and that firefighting operations were ongoing as at the time of going to press.

Shakira said, “Yes, we just received a call from that area and the call came in at 11:27am.

“The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service is attending to a fire outbreak at the new NNPC Terminal, formerly OVH, Kayode Street, Marine Beach, Apapa.

“The fire resulted from a spillage of petroleum products within the perimeter of the tank farm”.

In the same vein, Director and Chief Executive Officer, LSFRS, Margaret Adeseye, said concerted efforts with various emergency responders within the oil and gas industry were being made to contain the situation.

“The public is hereby assured that the emergency operations are under control from escalating further,” Adeseye stated.

However, the Punch cited Spokesperson, NNPC Ltd, Olufemi Soneye, as saying that the fire was not from the company’s depot but from HOGL.

“It is not at the NNPC, but at HOGL. The fire is at a pipeline at HOGL. The fire has since been extinguished. It’s at the Honeywell depot but it has now been extinguished. Not NNPC,” Soneye said.

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Alakija Hails Gov Adeleke

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The Chancellor of Osun State University and Executive Vice Chairman of Famfa Oil Limited, Folorunso Alakija has described Governor Ademola Adeleke as “an action Governor who is delivering good governance to the good people of Osun state”.

She bared her mind, while hosting Gov Adeleke at the Ikoyi headquarters of Famfa Oil Limited.

According to her, she she has been following activities of Gov Adeleke since he assumed office, and commended him for setting a good leadership example.

The billionaire businesswoman on the occasion flanked by two of her directors, Ladi and Folarin Alakija, noted that the Osun State Governor has been demonstrating strong passion for public service and pursuing a big agenda for the state.

She prayed to God Almighty to strengthen the Governor for a second term in office, as in her opinion, four years were not enough for an action governor like Gov Adeleke to deliver fully on his ambitious agenda for the state.

Reviewing her tenure as the Chancellor of the Osun State University, the Famfa boss recalled the conception and stages of completion of the UNIOSUN Medical Research and Training Hospital which she wholly donated and financed.

She pointed out that the project which is 95 percent completed was designed to serve the health needs of patients from far and near and elevate service to humanity to a higher level.

Earlier, Governor Adeleke, accompanied by the Vice Chancellor of the Osun State University, Prof Odunayo Clement Adebooye and other state officials, said he was ‘on a thank you visit to the business mogul to appreciate her huge contributions to the growth and development of the state university’.

Gov Adeleke expressed appreciation for the massive multi-billion naira Medical Research and Training hospital that Apostle Dr Alakija was building at the State university, describing Famfa boss as “a commendable role model in the field of philanthropy.

“We are here as a government to appreciate you. You are uncommon and rare in your love for service to humanity.”

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